IWSCC Newsletter – July 2022
Word of the month = accessibility:
capable of being used, seen, understood or influenced; adapted for use by people with disabilities. Accessibility is a precursor to inclusion and should always be considered when thinking of DEI/BDJ efforts!
Supplier Spotlight
F.A.S.T. Rescue is a trusted leader in high-quality, interactive health and safety training sessions that span all areas of Health & Safety, from CPR to WHMIS to Forklift Training.
We offer a wide range of products and services that keep customers compliant and create a safe workplace for everyone. With over 24 years of experience, we have helped more than 200,000 people achieve their goals in workplace safety!
We work with customers to build a sustainable safety culture in your workplace through ongoing consultation and assessment. F.A.S.T. Rescue provides risk assessments, policy reviews, and training program development.
Words of Wisdom
This tip of the month is for Corporates.
As we transition into a variety of new working conditions – work-from-home, back in office, and a hybrid – now is a great time to address some lingering accessibility challenges.
Ask yourself:
- What is the office experience like for those with visible (physical) disabilities?
- What is the office experience like for those with invisible (neurodiverse) disabilities?
- Does everyone that works from home have access to the tools they need?
Corporate Corner
CBRE is excited to share that we’ve expanded our Supplier Diversity Program into Canada, which is led by a dedicated Supplier Diversity Lead. The program is an extension of our U.S. program, which is recognized as one of the most active and progressive of its kind among American corporations. In 2020, we pledged to spend $1 billion in 2021, and 3 billion over 5 years with diverse suppliers.
Our supplier diversity team builds and maintains relationships, develop and track metrics, finds alignment with overall sustainability program, and leverage internal expertise. Our program’s core components include Outreach to find new diverse suppliers, requiring at least diverse supplier to apply to each Opportunity, and Development/mentorship for high potential suppliers.
To become a potential supplier, register your company information in the Supplier Portal. For more information, contact Kathleen.obrien@cbre.com
What’s Going On…
New Podcast Episodes!
Episode 5: In this episode Deidre talks 2SLGBTQIA+ entrepreneurship, overcoming barriers, and evolving your Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion plans with Colin Druhan from Pride at Work Canada.
SDAC Event in October
July 13th – Halifax, NS
The IWSCC along with the rest of the SDAC, Centre for Women in Business (CWB), Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and presenting sponsor Nova Scotia Business Inc (NSBI) are hosting “Doing Business with Big Business: Celebrating Growth” at Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax Nova Scotia.
July 14th – Wolfville, NS
The SDAC goes to Wolfville, Nova Scotia for a similar event that’ll run from around 8:30 to 11:30am and will feature a presentation by the SDAC.
July 27th – Vancouver
The SDAC is hosting “Supplier Diversity Day” at the Pinnacle Harbourfront Hotel in Vancouver BC.
October 14th – Toronto
The SDAC is hosting a Corporate Education / Supplier Networking event in Toronto. We’ll be inviting corporates and suppliers from CAMSC, CGLCC, WBE and the IWSCC to learn from each other and uncover new business opportunities.
Accessible Procurement Webinar
Deidre Guy and Jeff Wilson spoke about the current landscape around accessible procurement in Canada – or lack of it – at the CAN Connect Forum. The conversation touched on the current support systems in place and about future changes that could address the barriers for folks with disabilities.
Click this link to watch their talk.
Matchmaking Events
We’re making changes to the format of these events this Fall – stay tuned for details. In the meantime, here are our upcoming Match-Made-in-5-Minute Events:
July 20th – Bell
Break in August
Register here for our Matchmaking Events.
Supplier Summer Camp
We are starting a Supplier Summer Camp in place of the Match Made in 5 Minutes events! On August 10, and August 24, we will offer training from other certified suppliers on how to maximize your certification, find and apply for grants and entrepreneur programs, and how to sell to large organizations.
Contact us for more details!
VENT Survey
The Project VENT survey is ready to be shared! Please click the link below to fill out the questionnaire, and share it with any Veteran entrepreneur (past, present, or future) you know to maximize the benefits of this research!
